Question

Match List-I with List-II

List-I (Fact/feature/event/phenomena)	List-II (Definition)
(A) Ecotype	(I) A uniform interbreeding population spread over time and space.
(B) Ecotone	(II) It is a group of individual organisms of the same species in a given area.
(C) Species	(III) It is a population of individuals of a species, which are genetically different.
(D) Population	(IV) A zone of transition, presenting a situation of special ecological interest between two different types of communities.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) - (II), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)
• (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)

Hint:

Think about which term describes genetic variation within a species, and which describes a transition zone between communities.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question checks whether you can match four basic ecological terms, ecotype, ecotone, species and population, with their correct definitions.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Each term describes a different level or kind of biological grouping. An ecotype is a genetically distinct form of a species adapted to a particular set of conditions. An ecotone is a transition zone between two communities. A species is a group capable of interbreeding across time and space. A population is simply individuals of one species living together in an area.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Ecotype: An ecotype is a population within a species that has evolved genetic differences to suit its local habitat, such as a hill ecotype and a plains ecotype of the same crop. This matches definition (III), "a population of individuals of a species, which are genetically different."
(B) Ecotone: An ecotone is the boundary zone where two different communities meet and overlap, such as where a grassland meets a forest. This is a zone of special ecological interest, matching definition (IV).
(C) Species: A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed with each other across time and space and produce fertile offspring. This matches definition (I), "a uniform interbreeding population spread over time and space."
(D) Population: A population is a group of individuals of the same species living together in a given area at a given time. This matches definition (II).

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct matching is (A)-(III), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(II), which corresponds to option (2).